Tag: Police Scotland

Amber weather warning

SGORR meets to prepare for stormy conditions

Ministers have activated the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) to prepare for strong, windy conditions from Storm Boelo, which are predicted to impact the whole of mainland Scotland and the Western Isles this weekend.

SGORR convened yesterday after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for wind from 9pm tonight (Saturday 24 October) lasting 24 hours.

It also follows heavy rain from Storm Austen, which has caused an increased risk of flooding in some areas.

The meeting was chaired by Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville and was attended by a number of agencies involved in the response, including Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, and the Met Office.

Ms Somerville said: “Much of Scotland will experience very high winds this weekend, and people should be aware of the potential impacts of the Met Office’s amber alert, which includes transport and power disruption.

“The wind, coupled with the rain brought by Storm Austen, means that travel conditions could be dangerous and I would urge anyone planning travel to check their journey and follow all relevant advice before setting off.

“Our resilience and emergency system, SGORR, has now been activated to co-ordinate our response, and I am grateful for the work of partners across the country to keep everyone safe.

“SGORR will continue to monitor the situation closely over the weekend and provide regular updates to the public.”

Police travel advice has been issued following an amber weather warning for high winds across the majority of Scotland.

The Met Office has issued the weather warning for all of the Scottish mainland and islands off the west coast. This warning is in place from 9pm on Saturday 24 October, 2026, until 9pm on Sunday, 25 October.

A yellow wind warning is also in place covering the same area, also including Orkney, from 12pm on Saturday, 24 October.

Superintendent Andy Barclay, deputy head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “The Amber warning for wind means there is a high risk of disruption on the road network and travel conditions may be hazardous.

“Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary or if it can be delayed until conditions improve. Stopping distances can be at least double on wet roads compared to dry conditions, and spray can reduce driver visibility.

“HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police. 

“If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions and allow extra time for your journey.

“Stay tuned to media outlets for further updates and consult the Traffic Scotland website and social media channels for information relating to affected roads.”

Further information about the weather warnings can be found on the Met Office website.

SEPA has issued a number of flood alerts and you can find more information about flood updates on their website.

Arrest following pursuit of stolen vehicle in North Edinburgh

Around 6.50am this morning (Wednesday, 21 October, 2026) we received a report of a motorbike theft on Darnell Road in Trinity.

A van believed to have been involved in the incident, which had also been reported as stolen, was traced a short time later in the Granton Road area but failed to stop for officers.

A short pursuit followed before being called off. The van was then involved in a collision with a cyclist before being found abandoned on Drumsheugh Gardens. 

The cyclist was taken to hospital for treatment. There were no other reports of injuries.

The occupants of the van, males aged 15 and 20, left the scene and were later traced. The 20-year-old was arrested in connection with the incident and the 15-year-old will be reported to relevant authorities. Enquiries are ongoing.

Road Policing Inspector John Easton said: “We understand the circumstances of the incident this morning are concerning for local residents.

“I’d like to reassure the public, our priority is public safety and specially trained officers were deployed alongside divisional resources to ensure a safe conclusion.

“Our enquiries remain ongoing and if you have any information about the incident or have private CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam footage which has captured anything of significance please call 101 quoting incident 0416 of 21 October.”

Bomb Hoax: Safety is a top priority in Edinburgh’s schools

A message from James Dalgleish, convenor Education, Children and Families and Amanda Hatton, Corporate Director Children, Education and Justice Services was issued yesterday:

Schools in Edinburgh, as well as throughout the UK, were targeted yesterday (Monday) in a hoax threat.

We took immediate action to ensure the safety of our pupils, teachers and staff and followed the advice of Police Scotland as well as our own established safety policies.

The police conducted a thorough investigation into the claims and determined it was a hoax and there was no risk identified.

The safety of our school community is always our top priority. With Police assurance all Council nurseries, primaries and high schools reopened today, Tuesday 20 October.

This situation has caused alarm and misinformation to be spread amongst the school community. Understandably as a result attendance rates have been lower than average today.

We want to reassure parents, carers, pupils and staff that safety is a priority and there is no safety risk for pupils.

If you have any concerns, please speak to your child’s school. Staff can support pupils in their return to learning.

Partial closure of A8 on Saturday

SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER from 8am – 12pm

Road policing officers are continuing enquiries following a fatal road crash on the A8 near Newbridge, Edinburgh, which occurred on Monday, 7 September, 2026.

Between 8am and 12pm on Saturday, 24 October, 2026, the west-bound carriageway of the A8 will be closed between Edinburgh Airport and Newbridge Roundabout to allow officers to conduct investigatory work.

Access to Edinburgh Airport will be maintained during this time.

Swinney: Action against misogyny

First Minister announces series of interventions to tackle violence against women and girls

A new Respect Fund for Scotland will see school pupils supported to reject misogyny and promote respect as part of a package of Scottish Government action to tackle violence against women and girls.

Up to an additional £1 million will be invested from 2027/28 to ensure high school pupils can access third sector programmes teaching young people how to reject misogyny, whilst primary school pupils will receive age-appropriate learning on respect.

The funding will be bolstered by the rollout of a Scottish Government backed campaign with leading sporting organisations and prominent sportsmen for a new phase of the Don’t Be That Guy campaign.

Initially run by Police Scotland in 2021, the advertising campaign rose to international prominence for encouraging men to challenge attitudes and behaviours that contribute to violence against women and girls.

Scottish Rugby, the Scottish Football Association and Scottish Tennis are amongst the leading national organisations backing the refreshed campaign, along with leading sports personalities including Scotland rugby players Jamie Dobie and Grant Gilchrist, and tennis player Connor Thomson.

The move forms part of a package of action led by the First Minister to tackle misogyny in Scotland, including a commitment to introduce a Misogyny Bill before the 2027 summer recess.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Violence against women and girls is completely deplorable and has no place in the Scotland we are building. I am determined we do all we can to tackle it and ensure men change their behaviours.

“People of all ages need to feel able to talk openly to their male friends and colleagues about behaviour that is misogynistic and damaging to women, and contributes to a culture that targets, minimises and harms women and girls.

“This funding will help empower pupils to challenge the attitudes that help perpetuate harmful behaviour, backed by the refreshed Don’t Be That Guy campaign – which will use the reach and influence of some of Scotland’s most well-known sporting personalities, to give prominence to this important national conversation.

“I want Scotland to be a place where women and girls live free from violence, coercive control, abuse and exploitation, which is why over the coming year this government will also bring forward a Misogyny Bill to give women and girls specific legal protection from harassment.”

Sporting organisations working with the Scottish Government to support positive action to promote positive masculinity and respect:

  • Scottish Football Association
  • SPFL / SPFL Trust
  • Scottish Rugby
  • Scottish Cycling
  • Scottish Swimming
  • Scottish Athletics
  • Scottish Golf
  • Tennis Scotland
  • Team Scotland

Missing Boy: Have You Seen Thomas?

*** UPDATE – THOMAS HAS BEEN TRACED ***

Police are concerned for the welfare of missing person 13 year old Thomas Hutton. He was last seen at 8.30pm on Monday 12th October in the Drylaw area.

He is known to frequent Ocean Terminal. He is described as white, 5ft4, slim with blonde hair, missing a front tooth and believed to be wearing a light grey Berghaus jacket, grey joggers, black and white On Cloud trainers and a dark blue Montrex hat.

If you have seen Thomas or know of his whereabouts, please contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote Incident 3329 of 14th October.

Growing concern over missing man

HAVE YOU SEEN HERMAN?

*** UPDATE ***

HERMAN HAS BEEN TRACED

POLICE are appealing for information to help trace 36-year-old Herman Alapiki who has been reported missing in Edinburgh.

Herman was last seen in the Easter Dalry Road area around 2.15pm on Saturday, 10 October, and there are growing concerns for his welfare.

He is described as 6ft 3ins, bald, with a tanned complexion. When last seen, he was wearing a black jacket, black trousers, brown boots and a black beanie hat.

Inspector Jordan Kerr said: “Herman is known to like walking all over the city, including the Dean Village, Union Canal path and Corstorphine.

“He also likes walking in the Pentland Hills. However, it is out of character for him to be out of contact for so long.

“There are significant concerns for him and we are appealing for anyone with information on his whereabouts to call police on 101, quoting incident 2284 of Saturday, 10 October, 2026.”

Missing: Have you seen Jim?

POLICE are asking for the help of the public to trace a 69-year-old man reported missing in Edinburgh.

James Bryson, known as Jim, was last seen in Burnhead Crescent around 6.50am this morning (Sunday, 11 October).

He is described as around 5ft 8ins, with short, greying hair. He was wearing a black hoodie, black tracksuit bottoms and blue trainers.

Jim is believed to have travelled in his green Nissan Qashqai car, registration SK76 BVJ, along Howden Hall Road to Kaimes crossroads and then in the direction of Edinburgh city bypass.

Sergeant Zoe Martin said: “It is out of character for Jim to go missing and we are concerned for his welfare.

“We are asking anyone who has seen Jim or knows where he might be to get in touch.

“Likewise, if you see Jim’s car please also make contact with us.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0739 of Sunday, 11 October, 2026.

Police appeal following serious tram accident in Broomhouse

Road Policing officers are appealing for information following a serious crash in Edinburgh.

Around 10.55pm on Monday, 5 October, 2026, a pedestrian was struck by a tram on the tramline adjacent to Broomhouse Drive.

The pedestrian, a 20-year-old man, was taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries.

No other injuries were reported.

Sergeant Grant Hastie said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

“I am appealing to those who witnessed the crash and have yet to speak to officers or anyone who was in the area prior and has information that could assist, to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3804 of 5 October, 2026.